Debrecen4U
July 6, 2026
More Than Supervision: Experience-Filled Summer Awaits Children in Debrecen
Debrecen has launched its annual summer childcare programme, providing schoolchildren with a safe and engaging environment for six and a half weeks during the summer holidays. The service supports families who are unable to arrange daytime care for their children by other means. Funded by the municipality, this year’s programme welcomes 250 primary school pupils, including children with special educational needs. Organised by the Family and Child Welfare Centre, the programme is hosted this year by the Bolyai János Primary School and Elementary Art School of Debrecen.
Speaking at a press conference held at the venue, Deputy Mayor Diána Széles emphasised that Debrecen supports families as a caring city. As such, the municipality has chosen to organise its statutory summer childcare provision not simply as supervised care, but as a genuine summer camp. She explained that the city’s aim is to ensure every child enjoys a safe and enriching summer, particularly those who might otherwise have fewer opportunities. Apart from the standard meal charges that apply during the school year, participation is free of charge for families. Debrecen is investing more than HUF 20 million in staffing and organising the programme, while the Debrecen School District Centre is providing the venue free of charge.
The Deputy Mayor noted that participation has increased significantly over the past decade, demonstrating that more and more families rely on the programme and trust the city’s support. This year, 250 children are taking part, with 175 attending throughout the entire period from 1 July to 14 August. She also highlighted that a dedicated group has been established for children with special educational needs. Although this requires additional funding, specialist staff and greater responsibility, she stressed that providing such support is a key element of Debrecen’s commitment as a caring city.
She also pointed out that the programme has been carefully designed to offer a wide variety of activities for children of different ages and from different schools, ensuring that the time between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm each day becomes a genuine summer experience. Planned excursions include visits to Sziget-kék playground, Agora Science Centre, Zoo Debrecen, and the Great Reformed Church. Free public transport for Debrecen residents under the age of 14 also makes it much easier for participants to travel to these external venues.
The Deputy Mayor expressed her gratitude to all those involved in organising and delivering the programme, including educational institutions, teachers, social workers, health visitors, technical staff, volunteers and student assistants, noting that their dedication brings Debrecen’s caring philosophy to life.
Ibolya Aurélia Orosz, Director of the Debrecen Family and Child Welfare Centre, emphasised that the programme is made possible through exemplary cooperation between municipal institutions, civil society organisations and public authorities. She explained that, in response to the summer heat, partners had worked together to install a fully equipped outdoor water station in the school grounds. With support from the Debrecen Charity Board, mattresses and blankets have also been provided for outdoor activities, while health visitors stationed on site are available to provide medical assistance whenever necessary.
The Director added that the Police, the Disaster Management Directorate, Agora Science Centre, Zoo Debrecen, the Great Reformed Church, and several civil organisations are enriching the programme with demonstrations, craft workshops and educational activities. Attendance reached 126 children on the opening day, while during some weeks nearly 180 children are expected to participate.
Zsuzsanna Varga, Director General of the Bolyai János Primary School and Elementary Art School of Debrecen, explained that the school had prepared the necessary classrooms and communal spaces in advance. She highlighted that the school’s spacious, tree-lined courtyard provides welcome shade for outdoor games and relaxation during hot weather, while the large sports hall offers an excellent alternative for sporting and recreational activities on rainy days.
The Director General also stressed that the school’s technical staff remain on duty throughout the summer holiday and are committed to ensuring that every child spends the break in a safe, welcoming and well-equipped environment.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
